Shortly after liftoff, the rocket will shed all four of its solid rocket boosters. Once its fuel has been spent, the first stage will separate and fall into the ocean. The second stage ignites to push against Earth's gravitational force, and the farings will be jettisoned to expose the orbiter. After briefly coasting in orbit, the third stage will spin to provide stability as it separates from the second stage, and then provide the final push to send the orbiter on its course to Mars.